Try getting some 92mm tail blades instead of the 95mm ones that come stock. They'll give you more ground clearance when the tail fin touches the ground. They also get you back to the rotor disc size the heli was designed for; the revised tail grips that added thrust bearings actually enlarged the rotor disc by putting the blades farther away from the hub.

Even though I'm no longer running the TT (I converted to belt after my next-to-last crash), I'm running the 92mm K&B tail blades and have been very happy with them. The 84mm K&B 30/50 size blades were short enough that they were making right and left piro rates quite a bit different.

They are pretty easy to replace if you have the knack. If you have a spare mangled torque tube cut from one end about 8-10in long so you have a piece of shaft with the cross on the end of it.

Pop the link, unscrew the 12 screws, unbolt the 4 screws holding the boom split the case and take the vertical gear out (leave the horizontal one) put the case back together, stick the previously made bit of torque in the end of the bevel gear like it would sit normally and one good whack on the floor normally pops it right out. Split the case again, bit of grease and the new one pops right in. Once practised a few times it should take no more than 10 mins.

Has anyone done the boiling trick on the gears to soften them up, or am I just doing some wishfull thinking? How come they never strip at the tail end? It seems they need to just be made a little less brittle. Sure, they may wear out slightly faster, but it beats having to change them for minor tail scrapes.

I would love someone to make some aluminum gears for the front and the tail of the heli. Of course I am removing the weak spot (the gears) and don't know what would give next. Can you make a cast out of plastic to pour aluminum?

Make up a complete spare tail assembly with a belt drive if you gonna practise autos - or bend a bit of wire (spare pushrod ideal) into a hook then drill a hole on the vertical stabiliser and epoxy it in (on on the side if using CF) - maybe also loosen off your tail blades a touch - they should swing loose with side play ideally

A little carbon rod or flybar material is quick and easy when practicing autos.. I like the idea of not hitting the tail blades but when practicing accidents happen. This might be easier on the pocket book !!!